Job Description
Supporting the Farming Community of West Wales
We are currently seeking a Farm Out-of-Hours Veterinary Surgeon to join a dedicated emergency veterinary service supporting livestock farms across Cardigan, Pembrokeshire, and nearby rural communities.
This role forms part of an evolving Farm24 out-of-hours service, ensuring that farmers have reliable veterinary support whenever emergencies arise. You will work closely with beef, sheep, and mixed farming operations, providing professional care during critical moments when livestock health issues occur outside regular clinic hours.
The position offers the chance to focus on meaningful veterinary work while maintaining a healthy balance between professional responsibilities and personal time.
About the Role
This position centres on farm emergency veterinary care during out-of-hours periods, responding to urgent cases across a rural agricultural region.
Typical responsibilities may include:
- Attending farm emergencies such as calving and lambing complications
- Managing acute livestock health issues and urgent treatments
- Performing obstetric procedures and other field-based veterinary interventions
- Providing clear advice and reassurance to livestock farmers during emergency situations
- Building long-term relationships with clients and collaborating with the daytime veterinary team
The caseload follows seasonal patterns. Spring is typically the busiest period due to lambing and calving, while other parts of the year offer quieter periods that allow time for rest and recovery.
Veterinary surgeons who live locally may respond to calls from home, while accommodation can be provided during on-call periods if required.
Flexible Working Patterns
The practice recognises that veterinarians value flexibility, particularly when working overnight or on-call shifts. For this reason, several working patterns can be discussed depending on your preferences.
Examples include:
- 1 week on / 1 week off rotation
- 2 weeks on / 2 weeks off rotation
- Customised rotas agreed during recruitment
- Option to include daytime veterinary work during off weeks if you wish to maintain additional clinical experience
- The role can therefore be structured either as pure out-of-hours work or a blended clinical position.
Salary and Additional Support
- This position includes a competitive salary package alongside practical support designed to help you settle into the role.
- Salary up to £65,000 FTE depending on experience
- £5,000 welcome bonus
- £5,000 relocation allowance
- Vehicle provided for professional use
- Accommodation available during on-call periods
- UK visa sponsorship available for international applicants
- Living and Working in West Wales
The region surrounding Cardigan and Pembrokeshire offers a high quality of life with access to dramatic coastlines, countryside landscapes, and vibrant farming communities.
Many veterinary professionals choose this area for its outdoor lifestyle opportunities, including coastal walking, wildlife watching, and water sports. Despite its rural charm, the region remains well connected to larger towns and transport routes.
For those seeking a slower pace of life while continuing meaningful veterinary work, West Wales can be an ideal place to build a career.
Employee Benefits
This role sits within the IVC Evidensia veterinary network, providing access to a comprehensive employee benefits package.
Work–Life Balance
- 6.6 weeks annual leave including public holidays
- Additional leave day to celebrate your birthday
Health and Wellbeing
- Private medical insurance
- 24-hour confidential Employee Assistance Programme
- Enhanced family-friendly policies and parental leave
Professional Development
- £1,250 annual CPD allowance
- 40 hours of paid CPD leave
- Access to Vetlexicon clinical reference resources
- Training programmes through IVC Evidensia education centres
- £1,250 annual Care Fund for veterinary professionals
- Professional Memberships
- RCVS registration fees covered
- Veterinary Defence Society (VDS) cover
- British Veterinary Association (BVA) membership
Additional Benefits
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Green Car scheme (eligibility criteria apply)
- Retail discounts and cashback offers
- Reduced-cost veterinary treatment for personal pets
Recruitment and Technology
The recruitment process may include the use of artificial intelligence tools to help review applications or analyse candidate responses. These tools support the recruitment team but do not replace human judgement, and all hiring decisions are made by experienced recruiters.
Helpful UK Government Resources
If you are considering relocating to the UK or would like to understand employment regulations, the following official resources may help:
- Skilled Worker visa guidance
- Proving your right to work in the UK
- UK employment rights overview
- Holiday entitlement and leave rules
- National Insurance and working in the UK